Today I’m happy to introduce you to Carrie.  We’ve never met in real life, but it seems like our paths have crossed many times.  In fact, if I remember correctly, she lives in the same town in North Carolina where I lived as a newlywed, and where my first two children were born. Isn’t that cool? We know a lot of the same people, which is a common phenomenon with us LDS bloggers.  I think you’ll enjoy meeting her.  Here’s Carrie:

Hey! That’s southern for “Hi!” in case you aren’t familiar with southern speak.  My name is Carrie Harmon and live in a small town outside of Charlotte, NC.  I am 35-year-old almost stay-at-home  (I work less than part-time at a local grocery store to stay on the payroll in case I really do need to work. ..) , new homeschooling mom to one sweet boy (Jake) who will be turning a decade old the end of August.  I am married to the most amazing man in the world (Aaron) who is currently going to school full-time during the day and working 3rd shift (10pm-6am)  full-time to pay the bills.  We also have one very sweet and crazy lab mix puppy (who as I am typing this figured out how to turn on the hose, that was laying in her little kiddie pool to fill it up…Seriously….) named Sadie May — yes I totally include my dog as part of the family. J  I also have to mention that this family picture is from Feb. of 2010…I love to take pictures but apparently we haven’t taken any good ones of the 3 of us for a while…I am going to have to work on that…

We are currently living in my parents home, taking care of it while they are on a mission in Seattle Washington.  They will be released from their mission on August 6th after 18 months of serving the Lord in the mission office.  The timing for their mission was perfect for all of us.  Aaron was working in the home building business and the company he worked for was slowly letting everyone go.  We decided it was the perfect opportunity for Aaron to finish up school back at UNC-Charlotte [hey, editor’s interruption– I used to teach Spanish there!] (where back when we were young and dumb he left as a 2nd semester junior for a great job opportunity…Let this be a lesson to all you young people: finish school the first time around…) and my parents were about to put their home on the market, something they really didn’t want to do.  It worked out perfectly for us to take care of their house instead of them selling it in the middle of a really bad housing market.  Fast forward almost 18 months and Aaron is going to graduate (with a major in Math-what a geek) in December and we will be on to our next adventure wherever that will take us!   Aaron is originally from Spartanburg SC and I am from New Hampshire.  I consider myself a converted Southerner, but Aaron says it doesn’t work that way.  Once a Yankee, always a Yankee.  He claims I still break out my Yankee accent when I get mad but I really wish I talked like Paula Dean…Maybe some day.  A girl can dream right?  Jake is a native Charlottean, which I think gives further proof that I am a converted Southerner.   J

What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

My favorite part of motherhood is all the firsts. The first smile. The first steps.  The first time you realize your child really feels the Spirit. The first time your see yourself in your child and think do I really sound like that when I am mad?… I love them all good and bad.

Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

I have a lot of things on my bucket list so to narrow it down to 2 or 3 is hard…I would love to hike the Appalachian Trail with my family.  I would love to travel to every state in the US.  I would love to write children’s books.  I would love to live on a lake….

Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?

I am really great at procrastinating!…I really am, but that isn’t a good thing.  This one is tough.  I am a good (not great) painter.  I am great homemade roll maker if using a bread machine counts. I make good spaghetti and lasagna.  I am really good with kids… I asked for some help from Jake and Aaron on this one and they said: blogging, cooking, painting, sleeping (haha…), being a mom…I guess I am not good at thinking of things to brag about myself for….

What are you loving lately?

I am absolutely loving my Kindle and reading the classics.  It was a Mother’s Day/Birthday gift and I LOVE it.  The idea that I can take my own personal library everywhere I go is a good thing.  Whoever came up with this idea is a genius!  I am reading Sense and Sensibility right now and I love it.  The first book I read on my Kindle was Laddie.  It is so good!  If you haven’t read it you should.  I am the girl who in high school never actually read the books assigned so I think my English teachers would be shocked and proud that I finally found a love for the classics.

Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why?

My favorite quote is by Neal A. Maxwell: “Faith in God includes faith in His timing.”  My favorite scriptures of the moment are 1 Nephi 1:20: “…I Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.” And Mosiah 24:14: “And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage: and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.”

What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time?

During my free time I gravitate to spending time with Jake (I’m lucky that I am still one of his favorite people to play with.) and Aaron.  This past year and a half have been a real sacrifice for all of us.  I was working out side the home 5 days a week (for the first time in Jake’s life) until school got out and we decided to rethink the game plan.  We have found that when we are home, we just want to be with each other.   I have gravitated toward researching and gathering information and supplies for homeschooling which we are just starting this year.  It has been so much fun!  I love to blog — lately that has not been the case but it is summer time so I get a pass right?  I love to read, cut coupons and figure out how cheap I can get the things I need.  I love HGTV and Fox News.

Tell us some of your best mom-tricks  (things you’ve figured out that work well for you).

One of my best mom tricks is to sing.  When Jake was little I would always make up silly songs if he wasn’t listening.  It always worked like a charm and still does.  Another mom trick is to always be prepared.  We lived outside of Asheville NC in the mountains (we miss it sooo much!) and were close to fun places to play in the water.  I learned to always have towels and a change of clothes in the car so spontaneous swimming could happen.  It is a very rare occasion that we see water and don’t get in it. I have scored some cool mom points this way.  My last mom trick goes along with being prepared: I believe in the big mom purse with everything you may need on a moments notice inside.  I have been a super hero to many people with all that I carry in my big purses….

What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?

The part of my testimony that I am most sure about is that Heavenly Father is completely aware of each and everyone one of us.  He knows our needs, he knows our struggles, he knows our weaknesses and faults-and He loves us any way.  I know that He only gives us trials that we can bear.   I know that He thinks I am a good mother, even if I am the mother of one, not 6.  I know that he answers my prayers and that His hand guides my life on a daily basis.  I know that He wants nothing more than our happiness.  I know that He loves me.

Desert Island Question.  If you were stranded on a desert island (most moms would actually crave this) and could only take 3 items with you, what would they be?

 I am going to assume that by “items” you mean “things” not people and that this is a little mom vacation…Right?   I am saying all of that so I won’t feel guilty for not taking Aaron and Jake along with me. J  1. A water-proof Kindle (that doesn’t exist but it should) with wi-fi access of course.  2.  A machine that spits out those tiny little ice cubes (…I call them rabbit turd, but I am sure there is a real name for them…) and cold water that I can drink all day long. 3.  A comfy, oversized chaise with pillows that is completely water proof and is floating in the beautiful fresh water pond, complete with small waterfall, and I am lounging on said chaise while wearing a lovely white cotton nightgown with my bathing suit underneath…That may technically be more than 3 things.

What’s something unexpected in your life, and how have you dealt with it?

Something unexpected in my life is not having lots of children.  I love kids!  I always thought we would have a big family.  But Heavenly Father’s plan for our family is a little different from my own.  I have PCOS and have struggled with fertility and my weight ever since having Jake.  We used fertility drugs to have Jake and have been so blessed to have him in our family.  He is amazing!  I wish I had 4 more just like him.  It has been a roller-coaster ride of emotions.  There have been times when I have been bitter and emotional about this struggle.  I have been through the “why me” phase and depression.   The only way I have gotten through it is by turning to the Lord.  I am reminded every day that He loves me and is aware of my struggles.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?

I love this question!  The song that keeps coming to mind for some reason is Rascal Flats “God Blessed the Broken Road” or is it just called “Broken Road”?  I don’t know, but I think it fits.  When Jake was about 3 or 4 we had a whole little dance we did to it.  He would stand on our hope chest and we did our little routine.  Why didn’t I video it? I just love how the song talks about being led to exactly what we need in our life.  It makes me think of how Heavenly Father leads us on the right path if we just let him.

What homemaking job/task gives you the most satisfaction?

Aaron will laugh at this one because I never seem to get it down.  I love folding laundry (not matching socks though…).  I love smelling the clean clothes.  I love looking at Jake’s clothes and seeing how much bigger they are than last year at this time.  I love looking at the millions of Star Wars t-shirts that Jake and Aaron have and remembering how excited I was to find another one they would love on sale at Target.

Tell us about your blog:

My blog is called “One More Thing….” because I always seem to have one more thing to say.  I am a chronic rambler.  I couldn’t think of what to name my blog when I started a couple of years ago, that would give people a little insight into my brain, so I started to go through my favorite songs in my head.  “One more thing…” is a line from a John Mayer song.J  I blog to keep in touch with people, to de-clutter my brain, to journal, to vent…But mostly to document our little families crazy journey!

 Thank you Carrie.  It really was fun to get you know you better.  I love how much joy you find in motherhood.

Tell Carrie hello, or share some common ground with her in the comments below or over at her blog.  Have a great weekend everyone!

This week we get to meet Amy, whom I also had the privilege of meeting in person at our girls’ night out in the Spring.  I was impressed with her happy demeanor and genuine friendliness.  I’m excited you get to meet her too.  Here’s Amy:

Hi! My name is Amy Hughes and I am a 35-year-old, married ten years last week to the most amazing man. I couldn’t have chosen a better husband than Brandon. I am the mother of two little boys that I couldn’t imagine living my life without. Kaalam (KAY-lem) is four and a half years old and he is the sweetest, kindest, most polite little whirlwind you’ve ever met. He never stops! But he’s nice, so it could be a lot worse and that makes up for a lot. Xander (Alexander) turned two last week and is the polar opposite of his big brother. He’s quiet, with a devilish sense of humor that I know is going to be dangerous in a few years and he hardly ever speaks a word. He can. He just doesn’t want to. While Kaalam is outside learning stunts on his bike, Xander is happily curled on the couch reading a book. But the two of them somehow fit together in the most beautiful way. I love to watch them be together. I am so grateful to get to be a mom! For a very long time it looked like I’d never get that chance.

I started life as a BYU baby, but I was raised in Canada. I was the second oldest of 6 children and the first of five of us in five years (no multiples). I had one sister and four brothers and because we were all so close in age, we basically grew up in a pack. Being surrounded by so many brothers meant that I was a tom-boy then and I’m still learning about how to have girly friends now. It’s a skill that I’m trying hard to develop. I lived in Lethbridge Alberta until I graduated high school, moved away to Provo for a couple of years and I haven’t really been back since. I served a mission in Las Vegas Nevada where I learned that dry or humid, 126 degrees is just too hot for any reasonable human being to withstand. I have companions that have moved back to Vegas and I have to admit that I really don’t get it. I loved the work, I loved the people, but I was not made for that kind of heat. Give me a winter I can bundle up against any day! And I say that having experienced -70 degrees. Not that -70 is comfortable either, but if I had to choose. Educationally, I’ve had a long and random history. I worked as a veterinary technician for a couple of years before my mission. After my mission I studied Herbal Medicine for a year, ran out of money and got married. My husband then convinced me that if I couldn’t be learning how to use the plants, I could at least learn how to grow them so I got a degree in Landscape Design that upon graduating I decided I didn’t want to have to use. It was a heat thing. I don’t like doing landscaping work outside in the heat 12 hours a day. After a break from school to renovate a house, we were still childless and I wasn’t sure what else to do with myself so I went back to school again. This time for an English degree. Though I think I may have taken more psychology and history classes than English. I was halfway through this last degree when we were finally able to adopt our first son. I’ve been at home ever since. In the last 16 years I’ve lived in 2 provinces and 5 states and though we’ve recently landed in Utah, we don’t think it’s where we’ll stay. Which makes both of us sad. We never thought we’d choose Utah, but it’s felt like home faster than any other place we’ve been in the last few years. I hope we get to stay for a while.

1.     What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

My favorite part of being a mother has to be that I get to be one.

2.     What part of motherhood would you subcontract out if you could?

I really thought I was going to answer this question with housecleaning, or laundry or something but this Sunday I realized that I was wrong. If I could subcontract out just one thing, I think it would be Sacrament meeting. You know that scene in Shrek2 when they’re in the carriage on their way to Far Far Away and they can’t get Donkey to keep his mouth shut for more than 10 seconds at a time? I realized with some degree of horror this week that Donkey is my son. I’m raising Donkey. My two-year old will walk into Sacrament, sit himself down on the bench with his arms folded and listen quietly through the whole hour. But I have a feeling he’s only doing to make his brother look bad. My four-year old is physically incapable of sitting still or shutting up for more than 10 seconds at a time and if I could pay somebody to deal with him through that hour I would jump at the chance. Unfortunately it’s the Sabbath and we aren’t supposed to cause others to work so I’m stuck with him. Someone shared a quote this week about gauging your spirituality by what you think about during the sacrament. I’m sure it was a prophetically inspired quote, but I’m thinking there’s got to be some degree of leeway for mom’s with little kids. If there isn’t then I hope I don’t die until they’re grown.

3.     Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

I would love to be a published author. I went to a writing camp with Orson Scott Card a couple of years ago and I impressed him. I made him like a story in a genre than he has despised his entire life. Then he tore my work into little pieces anyway because that’s what we were there for. But it gave me the confidence to know that I really can write. If only I had the time in which to write.

I want to own chickens. I want to live on a little hobby farm somewhere and have chickens and a goat and maybe an alpaca or two for yarn. It would have to have a little orchard full of fruit trees too. I’ve wanted that life all my life and now my husband has bought into it too. Maybe if I ever publish that book. J

4.     Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?

I’m good at most things I try. And I hate to say that because I know it sounds really awful, but really there are few things that I’ve wanted to try that I haven’t been able to master. My biggest problem is that I’ll try something, get really good at it, then get bored and go look for something else to do. So I’ve done nearly everything at some point of another. Right now I’m designing knitted hats to open up an Etsy shop in the fall. We spent the week at my in-laws house and apparently I’m a nervous knitter because I came home with 7 finished hats in a single week.

 5.     Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why?

“If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:17). First off, my little teenage heart fluttered over the Captain Moroni in the seminary video the first time I saw it. But it also reminds me Continue reading →

Okay, blog friends, I’m really excited to introduce you to Lara. Once you get to know her and read her blog a little, you’ll start to be mad at yourself for not knowing her sooner.  She’s a remarkable woman who sees herself as incredibly ordinary.  But to those of us who have read about her adventures, we know better.  She is a talented singer, a gifted photographer, a great writer, and a down-to-earth, full-hearted mother.  She and I have discovered that we were in a lot of the same places at the same time and even got married just a few weeks apart, but alas, we’ve never met in real life (we think).  Someday, Lara, someday. Here she is.  Meet Lara (Isn’t she lovely?):

Hi!  My name is Lara (rhymes with car-a, not core-a) and I am going to be 37 next month (not sure yet how I feel about that, but it is what it is).  My husband, Joel, and I just celebrated 12 years of marriage last week and we have three daughters:  Bria (10), Chloe (8) and Sophia, who will turn 5 in a couple weeks and just lost her first tooth.  We have lived in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (which makes us Yoopers) for the past two years and hope to finally stay put after never being anywhere more than 3 years.

I grew up in Orem, Utah as the oldest of four children and the only girl.  This meant two things: 1) I was teased mercilessly and 2) My dad never got mad at me.  I like to say that the reason I was sent three little girls was to make up for all of the torture that my brothers put me through growing up, and to somehow let me experience what it might have been like to have the sister I so desperately wanted.  I went to BYU and majored in music (vocal performance) and then served a mission in Bucuresti, Romania.  I actually met my husband just before I entered the MTC because he had just returned from his own mission in Romania.  He also majored in music, so when I got home and finished up school, we ran into each other a lot.  We were married after a year and a half of dating, and then we put Joel through two more music degrees, and he is now an orchestra conductor and professor of music at the university in our town.  I teach voice lessons at the university and in our home and perform when I can (it pays to be married to the local orchestra conductor when it comes to getting gigs), but spend the bulk of my time “staying at home.” (Whoever decided to call it that, anyway?)

What’s your favorite part of motherhood?

My favorite part of motherhood is my children.  I absolutely love learning who they are, what they think about, and what interests them.  I love watching them learn about the world.  I lovelovelove all of the crazy and wonderful and astute things they say.  I love the things they teach me on a daily basis.  I love how when I am looking at them in a quiet moment and my heart just bursts with surges of love for them.  I love the cuddles and the conversations we share.  I love them.  They seriously make every difficult thing about motherhood completely worth it to me.

What part of motherhood would you subcontract out if you could?

My initial reaction would be laundry, but my husband has offered many times to do it for me and I won’t let him.  I guess I am a little anal about how the laundry must be done, so I probably will never be able to let go of that control, no matter how difficult it is for me to stay on top of it.

My second choice would be cooking, but I actually have subcontracted that out to my husband.  He loves to cook and gladly does it unless he has to work late.  In which case my kids will often get scrambled eggs or mac-n-cheese or cold cereal for dinner.  But they don’t mind, and I don’t have to “cook!”

Besides, now that I think about it, neither laundry nor cooking is really part of motherhood—everyone has to have clean clothes and food. So I guess the part I really wish I could have someone do for me is bedtime.  I really hate bedtime.  Especially in the summer, because it doesn’t get dark up here until nearly 11 pm and do you know how hard it is to make kids to go to sleep while the sun is still shining?

Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.)

Much to my husband’s chagrin, I think the number one thing on that list is to learn to play the bagpipes.  I adore the bagpipes, and I will learn to play them one day.  I’ve even found a teacher up here already: don’t tell Joel!  I’d also love to travel as much as possible.  We’ve been able to do a little bit, but not nearly enough!  I would also like to record a CD of lullabies someday.  I want to serve a mission (hopefully to Romania) with my husband.

Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at?

I can sing.  I am a pretty good photographer.  I love to learn.  I will do as much research as I can about whatever is interesting to me at the moment, and can go on some pretty voracious learning sprees (or “kicks” as I like to call them) which is how I’ve obtained many of my talents.  I forgive easily.

What are you loving lately?

Greek yogurt, fresh berries, John McWhorter’s latest book (What Language Is), Tosca, Stephen Sondheim, Flavia de Luce, summer weather (finally!), Instagram, and my husband’s new grill.

Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why?

I love to read all of Moroni 7 as often as I can.  I feel like it helps me center myself on what is important in this life.  It’s so easy to get bogged down in the mundane tasks that must be done and sort of lose the eternal perspective.  I particularly love verse 48:

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ, that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure.  Amen.”

What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time?

Reading.  I love to read as much as I possibly can.  When life is relatively calm, I usually read about 3 or 4 books a week.  When it is crazy (as it seems to always be), I hope to still get through one book a week.  My husband bought me a Kindle for Christmas and it has been incredible to have!  Hooray for carrying around 100 books in your purse!

The computer (reading blogs, Facebook and email) is also something I tend to do in my spare time.  I think it still counts as reading, though.

What’s something you don’t usually want people to know about you, but that they need to know if they’re going to be your friend?

That as much as I love spending time with friends, I crave my alone time.  I am an introvert to the core and I need time to myself.  It’s even taken my husband a really long time to figure this out (even though he is just like me this way) and he now realizes when I just need to go do something all alone.  It’s refreshing for me.

I also hate talking on the phone, so if I don’t call you often…don’t take it personally.  It’s just one of my (many) neuroses.

What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of?

That Heavenly Father is aware of me and my needs.  He knows me personally and answers my prayers just how I need them to be answered, even if it isn’t what I thought I wanted.  That tithing is a true principle and we are blessed beyond measure when we pay it.  That Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer and that by living His gospel we will find true joy in this life and in the life to come.

Let’s say you’re dying in your sleep tonight.  What would you eat for your last meal?

Fettucine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli.  Lots of bread.  And pumpkin pie for dessert. (Yes, you’ve read that correctly—no chocolate.  I don’t really like chocolate that much, possibly another of my neuroses.)

What homemaking job/task gives you the most satisfaction?

Cleaning the kitchen.  I have no idea how one little room can be such a mess in a matter of minutes!  It feels so good to have all of the dishes clean and put away, the counters wiped off, the floor swept and mopped…just so that we can make and eat dinner and turn it into a crazy mess again!  But I sure do enjoy those few minutes every day when it is actually spotless.

What’s something unexpected in your life, and how have you dealt with it?

As a girl who pretty much lived in the same house for her whole life (and most certainly in the same town), I never thought I would move so much once I got married.  I also never really thought I’d live so far from Utah.  While I wish my mom lived across town on a daily basis, I know that I am a better person for it.  I’ve had to break out of the introverted shell and learn to make friends.  I’ve had to become closer to my husband and children.  I’ve had to learn to rely on people that aren’t my mom for help, which may have been the hardest thing for me.  It’s hard to let others serve you, but I have learned that it is truly a gift to learn to allow others the blessings of service, and to receive it with a grateful heart.

Tell us about your blog.

I have been blogging at Overstuffed since 2005.  It got its name from the very full plate I always seem to have, but also because my life overflows with blessings.  I blog about my experiences as a wife and mother, but also as a singer, a photographer (I take as many pictures as I possibly can) and a daughter of God.  I try hard to recognize the lessons that the Lord wants me to learn and I consider my blog a way to remember those things.  It astounds me how much I have already forgotten whenever I peruse my archives, and I am so thankful I have kept a record.  I also have an unhealthy relationship with parenthetical statements (perhaps you’ve noticed?)

Isn’t she fantastic?  Thank you Lara! A question for readers to answer in the comments:  Based on this interview, If you and Lara went out to lunch, what topic do you think you’d end up talking about?  (This is my attempt to suck more comments out of you.  These find-a-friend Friday interviews are so fun to read, but a little hard to know what to comment about.  And if the volunteers are like me, they probably click over 47 times to see if anyone had anything to say.  So say something. 

Was that too bossy? :))

A few months back when I had the first ever Diapers and Divinity girls night out, I had the pleasure of meeting Julie, and I’m so glad I did.  As you read about her and visit her blog, you’ll soon see too what a great mom and all-around person she is.  I’m excited to introduce you to Julie:

Thanks so much, Julie!  Loved your introduction.  I hope you all take the time to say hello.  It’s never easy to put yourself out there like these brave participants do, and it feels great when people enjoy getting to know you.

Today I get to introduce you to someone with one of the coolest names ever.  I’m so impressed with the vision and heart of this young lady.  Meet Makamae:

My name is Makamae (rhymes with Rock-a-bye, and I’m going to go ahead and answer your question, “What does that mean?” It means Precious, in Hawaiian.  And yes, I am part Hawaiian), I’m 27, and I am “currently” living in southwestern TX in a border city.  My husband and I will be moving our things to Florida in a few weeks before he deploys to the Middle East, but I will be living with his parents in Colorado while he is deployed. I’m not a bona fide mother yet (though I hope to be in the future), but I like reading this blog anyway.  My husband is in the Air Force and because of that, life is truly an adventure.

I grew up in Southern California, and while I love visiting home, I do not think I would ever voluntarily choose to live there.  I am the middle child of five kids (three sisters, one brother), and that was a pretty fun adventure.  We didn’t have a lot growing up, so we were creative little bedlamites.  I went to school in the good old town of Rexburg at BYUI.  I majored in elementary education, and before I go any further, I have to say that choosing that major was a struggle for me because I did not want to do what everyone else was doing.  In fact, I purposely avoided doing this major for about 2 years before I gave in and was true to myself.  I picked that because I knew it was a major that would help me to be a better mother, and that was something I felt I needed to pursue.  I graduated from there and taught for a while in Utah County, and that is where I met my husband.

1.     What’s your favorite part of motherhood? I am not a “real” mother, so I do not think I could ever answer this question the way any of you could or would.  But I’d like to share things from the daughter perspective.  My own mom died about five and a half years ago, and I guess you could say that no matter how long it has been, that void can never be filled.  You don’t “get over” the death of your mother.  But my mom was a great example to me and what I loved about her motherhood was that she was always there for us and protected us in any way she could.  I know mothers don’t get the immediate gratification they might want, need, or deserve.  But maybe I could speak for your kids when I say that the work you are all doing as mothers is greater than any other occupation on earth.  Mothers are the unsung heroes of the earth & I can’t wait to join y’all!

2.     Name 2 or 3 items on your “bucket list.”  (Some things you’d like to do before you die.) One of the things I want to do, and am terrified that I won’t be able to do is to be a mom.  I’m not saying I don’t think I can, I just don’t know what God has in store for me but I’d like to have my own kids.  Another one is to train in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).  Maybe that is a bit unconventional, since this is not really a womanly thing to do.  My purpose would not be to get into the octagon to get beat like those men like to do, but really just to get a different work out and to be able to defend myself if I needed to do so.  I would also like to write a book.  I love children’s literature, and every time I read a book I think to myself, “I could totally do this.”  And yet, I haven’t.  But I hope to someday.

3.     Brag for a minute.  Do it.  What are a few things that you’re pretty good at? I am pretty good at cooking.  I will whip up something in the kitchen if I get bored (and yes, I do get bored.  Remember, I’m not a mom yet).  I am also pretty good at dancing, which is sort of an unfortunate thing since my husband hates dancing (sad face).  I get that out of my system by doing zumba.  I’m also awesome at cleaning.  I can’t tell you how many people have enlisted me to help them clean their houses before they move out (and its a lot; I live on an Air Force base).  And I’m good at laughing at things that should make me angry.

4.     What are you loving lately? Nieces & nephews.  I have two nieces on my husband’s side and two nephews on my side.  And they are all so adorable.  I love to dote on them and spoil them, and then give them back to “mom & dad” when they get ornery.  I know my day will come (or so I hope), but for now, being a fun auntie is something I love & enjoy.

5.     Do you have a favorite scripture or quote?  Why? I have a lot of favorite scriptures, but the one that came to mind today was 1 Corinthians 15:22.  When I think of this scripture, it automatically makes me think of my mom.  “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”  Its a reminder that I will see her again someday.

6.     What do you gravitate toward during your unscheduled time? I read blogs, check facebook, edit photos, etc. And when I have access to a piano, I play that.  I’m trying to have genealogy be something I just automatically do, but that has proven to be difficult.  I’m working on it.

7.     What’s something you don’t usually want people to know about you, but that they need to know if they’re going to be your friend? I am annoyingly competitive (and I hate that I am… I wish I didn’t care about winning sometimes), but I deny that I am.  Can I just say right here that my husband is so good & patient with me?

8. Friends are great for venting.  What’s been frustrating you lately? I don’t want to complain about the Air Force, because they do provide a job for my husband, and they did pay for him to become a pilot.  But the statement, “You never know…” is becoming so true for my life & experience in the Air Force.  In short, the only thing I can be certain of in the Air Force is that life is uncertain.

9. What parts of your testimony are you the most sure of? I am sure that God loves us all, regardless of what race, religion, or socioeconomic status we hold.  I am sure that Jesus Christ died for our sins, our pains, and our weaknesses.  I am sure that He speaks to us today through a prophet of God.  I am sure that temple marriages are meant to last forever, and that it takes some work on our parts to make it an eternal marriage.  I am sure that eternal families are part of God’s plan, and these families are what help us along the way to become better people.  I am sure that repentance works, and that even when people give up on us, Jesus Christ never does and never will.  I know that this is the true Church, run by people chosen of God.

10.  Let’s say you’re dying in your sleep tonight.  What would you eat for your last meal? Is this a three course meal? If so, I would have a chopped antipasto salad from Buca Di Beppo’s, BJs Favorite Pizza-Deep Dish from BJ’s Brewhouse & Restaurant, and a slice of red velvet cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.  And I would eat every last bite.

11.  What’s something unexpected in your life, and how have you dealt with it? My husband was assigned to Whiteman AFB in Missouri “flying” drones this fall.  When a pilot “flies” unmanned planes, he controls the airplane from a room in a building on the Air Force base where he is assigned.  This assignment meant less deployment, a “normal” 8-5 work day, etc.  This assignment was given in January, and then the beginning of May, we are told that he is no longer going to be doing that assignment, and that he would be flying MC-12 (a reconnaissance airplane that is heavily undermanned right now) for 6-9 months in either Iraq or Afghanistan, maybe even Saudi Arabia.  And then we were also told he would be flying the KC-135 (air refueler) upon his return out of Florida.  I honestly have no idea why I ever trust the Air Force when they tell us that something is going to happen, because my experience has been that almost always they are going to change on you.  As a result of this changed assignment, I went on vacation for a month and a half (I still am; I am at my in-laws in Colorado right now) while he did survival & water survival training in Washington state.  Dealing with him being gone is always easier when I am around family.  And the whole Florida thing makes me pretty happy.  Season passes to Disneyworld!

12.  If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why? “This Too Shall Pass” by OK Go.  Life is hard (even when you’re not a mom).  And one thing I love about the scriptures is that it always says, “And it came to pass…”  It never says, “It came to stay…”  There are good times and hard times, but its what we choose to do with it that makes life better or worse.

Tell us about your blog:  I actually have a few blogs, but the one Stephanie has read periodically is Sweet & Simple Truths of the Gospel.  I started this blog as a means to do missionary work, and to provide a place where my friends could read about what I think and believe about God and Jesus Christ (non-confrontational style).  If they had questions, they would ask. Often times, I’ve found myself just writing my thoughts concerning spiritual matters on there not necessarily just straight doctrine.  And I’ve been terrible at posting on that, so forgive me for that.

This one is called the Mormon Military Wife, since that is what heavily defines me these days.  I actually just started this a week or so ago, because I thought some other women would benefit from shared experiences that I had, have, and will have in the future.  It is like a sisterhood in some senses.  But I plan on just writing my experiences of being a military wife, more specifically a military pilot’s wife (not that my husband being a pilot makes him better than any other military man or woman, its just different is all).

Thank you, Makamae.  Another remarkable woman. Say hello to Makamae in the comments here or at one of her blogs.